Stark-Conde Cabernet Sauvignon – Stellenbosch 2011

The grapes for this wine were hand picked, meticulously sorted, fermented in small batches, and basket pressed. The wine was then matured in small French oak barrels for 22 months before being bottled without fining or filtration in January 2013. This vintage produced 1,604 cases.

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. Stark-Conde Wines is a family-run winery dedicated to making handcrafted fine wines. Located in the picturesque Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch, the winery's total production is less than 3000 cases, making them one of South Africa's few true-boutique wineries. Jonkershoek Valley, itself, is a dramatic valley with steep changes in vineyard elevation from 492 to 1,969 feet, making for a range of sites with distinct characteristics. These higher elevations and textured soils make it ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. In fact, Jonkershoek wines are often described as elegant and having lush fruit and fine, soft tannins. In addition to being viticulturally ideal, its view is pretty spectacular! Stark-Conde also has a unique, small, and intimate tasting room that is built on its own little island so visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of the valley, surrounding mountains, and vineyards.